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We are very sad to report that there is a young man going door to door in the Las Vegas area representing himself as part of Kassidy's Army. We would NEVER go door to door asking for donations, please call the police or email us at kassidysarmy@live.com. See official fundraisers below!

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

January 10, 2012

What a day!!!!!!! We are all truly exhausted!!!

This morning I woke up early to get Kassidy's morning dose ready. When I went to flush her line with saline the line made a LOUD horrifying pop and she woke with a loud "Ouch that hurt". I immediately called the doctor and I was transferred to the infusion nurses to talk me through it. They asked me to see if there was a blood return on the line and there was, but when I went to flush again, I only got 2 cc of saline when Kassidy winced in pain again and a weird gurgling sound from the line. UGH! We were told we would need to go the the ER to check catheter placement & to make sure the catheter was still intact, that I would have to take her off treatment.

So to the ER we went. Thank goodness Summerlin Hospital PEDS was not busy, they took us right in. Nurses & doctors were wonderful. I didn't have to explain why we chose the treatment we did instead of regular chemo or radiation. It kinda gets old everytime we go to the ER and try to explain what & why is Kassidy on a treatment that doctors don't really know about. They immediately took Kass for an iodine test, where they injected iodine into her port and took a scan of chest. It didn't take long for the radiologist to tell me that the port was not to used and she would need surgery to replace it. NO!!!!!

Ryan came to meet us and by 11:30 we were in an OR meeting our surgeon. He explained that by looking at Kassidy's scan he was worried that the line was in such poor shape and would snap in two when he tried to remove it, that the part that goes straight to her heart would recoil inside the vein and that he would not feel comfortable going after it. Oh my gosh! So he would have to have the radiologist help fish it out. So we put trust in him and God and send our girl to surgery.

Kass before being wheeled out to the OR

While sitting in the waiting room, Kyle came over to bring us some lunch since he had been doing his workout earlier. But when he came in he came in with a limp. Oh wow! He proceeded to tell us that ever since he had kinda twisted his ankle on Friday he had been running different and that now the front of his foot hurt. Well, since his podiatrist happens to have her office at Summerlin Hospital I told him he should go see if she would look at it while we waited. She did! Love Dr. Pollitz. He had an x-ray and sure enough, a break. A stress fracture in his fourth right toe. REALLY GOD!!! What do we need to learn again???? What have we missed???? So my poor boy leaves tomorrow with a broken foot in a boot and completely disappointed he cannot participate in his first indoor track meet on Saturday. The positive, is that his white blood count came up to normal, but his iron is still through the roof about his new lab tests. Doctor suggested the he should have it checked again while he's in Boise to see where it's at then. Hopefully, he can stay away from the hematologist. Cause we are not sure we could take much more bad news.

Kyle's new boot :(

The surgeon came out about an hour and half to two hours to let us know that Kassidy's surgery had gone well. He didn't have any problem removing the old line. Thank you God! He did have to make an incision above the collar bone to be able to make sure no debris was left behind and better access. He made another insertion site for the new catheter and inserted a new broviach port catheter which is suppose to be a little thicker and a little more durable than the Hickman she had before.

When we went to the recovery she was dazed, but smiling. I love that about her. She can be in the worst place, but still smiles. We waited for her double vision, nausea, and stoned look to wear out and we brought our babies home.

The incision, the new port site, and the old port site to the right of the new one. OUCH!!

Thank you all for your prayers and good thoughts, I truly believe they helped us today through this most crazy day of all and to keep it together. We still trust that God has guided us through this path for something that someday we will learn it's true purpose. But tonight I just hold my babies close and hope that Kassidy and Kyle heal fast so they get on with what they suppose to do in life.

Massiel - I am sorry to hear about Kassidy's port. I'm so glad you caught it when you did - what a blessing the surgeon was able to get it out without complications!! Michael has a double lumen broviac and it has been great for him. I hope that it turns out to be a workhorse for Kassidy too. Hang in there. You guys are doing such a great job with Kassidy. You have been through so much and conquered so many obstacles. The road is so tough isn't it?!? Know I am praying for you.

Wow! What a journey and what a sweet girl! She is darling and so talented! You all appear to be such fighters which you have to be. I am sorry to hear that the tumor is inoperable. It sounds like you are perfectly aware of all the details, which you have to be. Things you never wanted to know or understand. I like that you are living life to the fullest. How inspirational. Thank you for your prayers and please know we will pray for your sweet Kassidy as well. You go girl! Never give up!

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ATTENTION!!!! There is a young man representing himself as Kassidy's Army and is going door to door acting as part of Kassidy's Army. Please report to police if this happens!!!!! We would never go door to door asking for donations.

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Translator

Kassidy's Army Facebook Page

Never Give Up

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About Me

Welcome to Kassidy"s Road to Recovery Page! Kassidy is 16 years old and on May 19, 2011 was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor located in her brain stem and spine called a ganglioglioma, a very rare type of tumor. Chemo & radiation would only bandaid her disease and leave her handicapped, so we have decided on an alternative treatment called antineoplaston which has given us much better hope, but is not covered by insurance. Kassidy is a very strong and positive person. Her love is softball, but she also plays tennis and bowling at her school. She loves hanging out with friends and playing her violin, guitar, and piano. Her goal is to go to college and play college softball. Please help Kassidy reach her goals! You are welcome to keep up with Kassidy's progress. We appreciate your love & support! We will be forever grateful.
Love
~ The Merritts ~ You can contact us at: ryanandmass@aol.com